Core for burial vault molds



Dec. 11, 1951 E. J. LAGER CORE FOR BURIAL VAULT MOLDS 2 SHEETS--SHEET 1 Filed Oct. 14, 1950 Patented Dec. 11, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,578,310 cots Fort BuRIAL vmm Moths Edward Lager, Davenport, Iowa Apfineautn October 14, 1950, Serial Nu. 190,193

16 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a core for the molding or casting of concrete burial vaults; More particularly, the invention relates to acore of the expansible and contractible type and draft-control mechanism therefor.

The manufacture of concrete burial vaults presents quite a few problems not found in ordinary masonry and concrete work, which problems re sult largely from the relatively large quantities and weights of material to be handled.

Further problems arise because of the elem gated hollow shape ofthe vault, which requires external and internal forms, both of which must be removable. Ordinarily, the vault is cast either right side up or inverted. In either case, a core must be used and, after the concrete has been poured and has hardened, the external forms as well as the core must be removed. The external forms are provided as a plurality of readily re: movable sections, and these are somewhat easily handled. However, the internal core is not so readily manipulated; In some cases the core was made of a plurality of pieces, preliminarily assembled and properly braced; In the method in which the vault is manufactured right side up, the core could be removed only by disassembly, and this could be accomplished either by elevate ing the entire mold or by providing a manhole beneath the moldfor access to the inside of the core. Other known cores have means for est panding and contracting the walls of the core by means located externally of the mold. However, there are a plurality of walls to be displaced and it has heretofore been a somewhat laborious and time consuming task to separately manipulate the several adjustments required; 7

According to the present invention, control mechanism is provided for simultanously con trolling the several walls of the core. It an important object of the invention to accommo date the elongated rectangular structure of the core by the provision of a pair of expansible and contractible devices spaced apart lengthwise of the core and having means interactingthere between so that the devices may operate in Both compression and tension to selectively move the walls simultaneously outwardly or simultaneously inwardly. A further important object of the invention is to control the top wall of the core simultaneously with control of the end and side walls.

The preferred embodiment of the invention forming the subject matter of this case features also a unitary core structure having a plurality of generally upright walls rigidly joined together at four upright columnar corners, preferably by welding, and having a unitary top wall joined to the upper edge portions of the upright walls, also preferably by welding, the junction of the top wall and the side walls providing horizontal beams ie'ctan'gularly arranged and lending substantial rigidity to the core. The walls are of relatively heavy gauge sheet steel and are capable of fleeing or displacement selectively toward or away from their respective normal planes; The draft-control mechanism is initially effective to brace intermediate portions of all the walls against inward distortion or displace :ment because of the great weight and pressure of the concrete. The corners of the core are inolined so as to provide built-in draft. After the concrete has set, the control mechanism may be actuated to draw in simultaneously on all the walls. I

Further features of the invention comprise: a core structure having improved base means; improved operating means for actuating the control mechanism from outside the core; a core con structed of imperforate walls except for the provision of vent openings in the top wall so that atmospheric pressure may assist in the removal of the core; and snare and draft-control structure mechanism that are simple in construction and easy to operate and maintain.

The foregoing and other important objects and desirable features inherent in and encompassed by the invention will become apparent to those versed in the art as a preferred embodiment of the invention is completely disclosed in the following detailed description and accompanying sheets of drawings in which:

Figurel is a perspective view of the core structure, with a portion thereof broken away to illustrate the construction thereof.

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view on an enlarged scale as seen substantially along the line 22 of Figure 1, broken lines being added to indicate the shape of the vault and the pres ence of portions of the externalform.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially on the vertical median plane of the structure.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view as seen along the line 4-4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as seen substantially along the line 55 of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary perspective view showing part ofone of the operating members for the control mechanism.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective sectional view showing an upper portion of the core and the manner in which one of the vent openings is temporarily closed to seal it against leakage of concrete therethrough.

Although the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated and to be described herein is based upon a design in which the vault is cast right side up, it will be seen that the principles of the invention are applicable to manufacturing methods in which the vault is cast in inverted form, or in any other position. Therefore, such expressions as top and bottom are used only for the purpose of simplifying and not limiting the disclosure. The same applies to other positional and directional terms.

The external appearance of the core is best illustrated in Figure 1, wherein it will be seen that the core is of elongated box-like construction having opposite generally upright side walls Ill and I2, opposite generally upright end walls 14 and it and a top wall l8. The end and side walls are rigidly joined to provide four upright columnar corners respectively reinforced internally by upright members in the form of angles 28, 22, 2d and 26 (see also Figures 2, 3 and 4). The corners are sloped inwardly and upwardly to provide for built-in draft and because of their columnar structure and reinforcement, they are capable of substaining substantial loads.

The top wall is is of substantially rectangular shape, having its four edge portions sloped downwardly at 28, 36, 32 and 34 and these edge portions are rigidly united, as by welding, respectively to upper edge portions of the upright walls to form four horizontal beams of substantially angular section internally reinforced by members in the form of angles 3%, 38, 38 and 32.

Each of the end, side and top walls is of preferably heavy gauge sheet steel-desirably about 12 gaugeand the welded unitary construction gives the core considerable strength. The internal angles 2926 and 3B 32 are preferably spot welded to the respective walls, as indicated by the acs in the drawings. However, because of the nature of the walls, they may flex or be displaced selectively toward or away from their respective normal planes. The draft-control mechanism to be hereinafter described controls the flexure or displacement of the walls.

The side wall ii! is provided along its lower or bottom edge with a relatively short outwardly and downwardly sloped bevel 3- 3. This bevel continues into a horizontally outwardly extending marginal edge portion or flange 5 which has flat upper and lower surfaces. The opposite side wall [2 likewise has a slope or bevel 48 and a coextensive horizontal marginal flange c; the end walls are similarly shaped and constructed, as designated at 52 and 54 for the end wall i and at 56 and 58 for the end wall It. The sloped and flanged portions are respectively coextensive with the walls that they adjoin and the flat under surfaces thereof are coplanar in a horizontal plane. This construction gives the lower portion of the core a bottom rim or border by means of which the core is supported on a base section to be described immediately below. The unitary welded construction of the core is carried out also as respects the manner of joining the meeting edges of the slopes d8, 52 and 56 and flanges i6, 58, 5t and 58.

The base comprises a pair of longitudinal I- beams 60 and 62 having their parallel flanges disposed horizontally and providing fiat upper surfaces coextensive with the longitudinal marginal flanges G6 and 59 and on which these flanges rest and to which these flanges are welded. The I-beams are connected at their ends by shorter transverse I-beams E and 6%. The four upright angles 29, 22, 24 and 26 are based on the ends of the I-beams 6i] and B2 and are welded thereto as at 68 and 8 for the angles 22 and 2 3 and T2 for the angle 28 (Figs. 2, 3 and 5). The angle 23 is similarly welded (not shown). This construction gives the core great vertical strength at its corners. The ends of the I-beams 51; and SS terminate short of the vertical webs of the I- beams 69 and 52, leaving openings at ":5 to permit the free passage of air to the interior of the core in those cases in which the lower flange of the I-beams are bolted to a floor, for example. These openings also permit the use of chains or hooks for attaching hoisting apparatus to the base, and as an adjunct thereto the I-bcam 5!] has a pair of circular openings i8 and 89 (Figure 1) and the I-beam 62 has a corresponding pair of openings 82 and 86 (Figure 3).

The construction of the core is such that its walls are imperforate and the junctions of the walls to each other are rigidly and unitarily effected-with one exception: the top wall i8 is provided with a plurality ofhere threevent apertures 86, for a purpose to be described below.

The draft-control mechanism for regulating or controlling the flexing or displacement of the walls of the core comprises a pair of means in the form of selectively expansible or contractible devices S8 and 9%. These devices are spaced apart lengthwise of and are positioned internally within the core, being respectively supported by the base means respectively through the medium of a pair of transverse supports here in the form of channel members 52 and These extend between the I-beams iii and 62 and are preferably welded at their ends thereto.

The device 88 comprises an actuating part or member 96 movable selectively in opposite vertical directions and extending vertically between the core top wall Iii and the cross channel or support 92. This member 96 has a flanged lower end 98 which rests on power-applying means, here in the form of a conventional scissors jack iflfi, the screw of which is controlled by an actuating element in the form of a shaft H32 that projects lat erally outwardly through an aperture Hi l in the vertical web of the I-beam 60. The exterior end of the shaft M32 is squared at 86 to receive cured to the part Hi3 as by bolts m.

crank (not shown) or an equivalent force-applying tool. The junction of the member 95 with its flange 98 is preferably effected by welding, as shown; and the upper end of the member 96 has welded thereto a coaxial screw threaded I08 which is adjustably cooperative with a second part M8 by means of which a connection made to the proximate intermediate portion of the top wall l8. The connection preferably includes a pair of short channel members H2 welded to the top wall portion and removably se- Relative adjustability of the parts H38 and H9 is accomplished by adjusting nuts i if: and a lock nut H8.

The actuating part or member 95 carries intermediate its ends a fabricated cross, here shown as being made up of a sleeve H22 welded to the part 96 and having welded thereto at angular in tervals of four apertured connecting ears I22, I24, H26 and H28 (Figure 6).

The bottom flange 98 of the part or member 96 is preferably welded to the top of the scissors jack I and the base of-the jack is preferably welded, as at I30, to the bottom web of the channel 92.

The device 90 is identical to the device 88 and comprises a second force-applying means in the form of a scissors jack I32 operated by a shaft projecting outwardly through the vertical web of the I-beam 60 and having a squared end I34 identical to the squared end I06 of the operating shaft I02. This device also comprises a vertical actuating member I36 adjustably secured by 00- operating parts I38 and I40 to the proximate portion of the top wall I8, adjustment being efiected by a pair of adjusting nuts I42 and a lock nut I44. The part I36 carries a cross comprising a sleeve I46 and four ears I48, I50, I52 and I54. The construction and arrangement of this cross is identical to that shown in Figure 6.

The side walls I0 and I2 are provided intermediate their upper and lower edge portions respectively with longitudinally running members in the form of angles I56 and I58; and the end walls I4 and I6 are provided respectively with similar but shorter members I60 and I62. These members are secured to their respective side walls by spot welding, as indicated by the ms in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, the ends of the members terminate short of and are not connected to the proximate corner reinforcing angles 20, 22, 24 and 26, because the members I56, I58, I60 and I62 are for controlling the upright walls apart from the rigid upright columnar corners.

The members I56 and I58 are provided with rigidly connected apertured ears I64 and I66 in transverse alinement with each other and with 4 the device 88. An operating element in the form of a compression-tension link I68 is pivotally connected at one end by a pin I10 to the ear I64 and is pivotally connected at its other end by a pin I12 to the apertured ear I22 on the fabricated cross for the device 88. A similar link I14 is pivotally connected at opposite ends by pins I16 and I18 respectively to the ears I66 and I 24.

The device 88 includes a third compressiontension member in the form of a link I80 pivotally connected by a pin I82 to the ear I26 of the device 88 and pivotally connected at its other end by a pin I84 to an apertured ear I86 rigidly secured to and centrally of the transverse end angle I60 for the end wall I4. Since the part 96 and its connection to the top wall at I08-I I0 is rigid, it is likewise a compression-tension member and the four connections at I08-IIO, I68, I14 and I80 simultaneously control proximate top, side and end wall portions at one end of the core, upon raising or lowering of the power-applying means or jack I00.

Portions of the angle members I56, I58 and I62 at the other end of the core are provided respectively with apertured ears I86, I88, I90 and I92. The ears I50, I54 and I48 are connected respectively to the ears I88, I90 and I92 by compression-tension members in the form of links I94, I96 and I98. Other details of the device 88 are repeated at this end of the structure and operation of the device 90 functions to simultaneously expand or contract the proximate end, side and top wall portions.

Although the upright parts or members 96 and I36 of the devices 88 and 90 are relatively rigid,

they would be subjected to bending stresses by force applied lengthwise of the core. Furthermore, in order that the devices may be stabilized and that the force applied by the end links I80 and I98 may be made equal in quantity and in a reaction element or bar 200 pivotally connected at opposite ends respectively at 202 and 204 to the remaining ears I28 and I52 of the crosses on the devices 88 and respectively.

As best seen in Figure l, the device 88 may be said to include a toggle comprising the links I68 and I14, controlled by vertical movement selectively in opposite directions of the actuating part or member 96. The same may be said of the components I94, I86 and I36 at the other end of the core. Similarly, a third toggle is provided by the linkage I80, I88 and 200, and, even though these links are relatively widely spaced apart and are separately connected to the devices 86 and 90, they are stabilized or equalized by the means comprising the bar or member 200. Therefore, proximate portions of the end, side and top walls may be displaced simultaneously toward or simultaneously away from their respective normal planes. The two devices 88 and 96 may be operated simultaneously or independently. Because of the elongated construction of the core, it is expedient to use the two devices; although, it will be seen that one device or even more than two could well be used, following the principles taught herein.

In Figure 2, side wall portions of the external mold form are indicated at 266 and 288 and the completed shape of the form is shown at 2I0. The upper portion of the vault is repeated in Figure '7, along with a fragmentary portion of the core, to illustrate that the vent openings 86 may be temporarily covered, as by squares of roofing paper 2 I2 or equivalent material.

Adjustments for length may be provided in the links I68, I14, I80, I94, I98 and I98 as shown respectively at 2 I4, 2I6, BIB, 220 and 224, and also at 226 for the reaction bar 200.

In operation, the control mechanism is actuated to dispose and brace the core walls respectively in their normal planes. 208 (and end walls not shown) are assembled and the concrete is poured. The curved top of the vault may be formed in any suitable manner, as by the use of templates, which are conventionally used in the molding of vaults right side up. The vent openings 86 are covered as suggested in Figure 7, before the concrete is poured. After the cast structure hardens, the external form is removed, which may be accomplished according to conventional practice. The squared control shafts I06 and I34 are then rotated to actuate the devices 88 and 90 so that the actuating parts 96 and I36 move downwardly. This places all the components of the control mechanism in tension, drawing in on the core walls and freeing these walls from the cast vault. When the top wall portions move downwardly, the squares of roofing paper 2I2 will adhere to the under surface of the concrete dome of the vault, uncovering the apertures 86 so asto avoid the creation of a vacuum between the core and the vault. The inwardly flexed side walls and the inherent or built-in draft at the corners of the core permit the vault to be readily lifted upwardly, resulting in a cleancut vault structure free from interior defects.

As stated above, the improved core structure and control mechanism therefor has the advantages of simplicity and ease of operation. The coordination between the two devices by the reaction member is also a feature. Other features and advantages not specifically enumerated herein will undoubtedly occur to those versed in the art, as likewise will numerous modifications and The walls 286 and alterations in the preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed, all of which may be achieved Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In molding apparatus for the manufacture of burial vaults, the combination of a box-like core body of elongated rectangular construction as viewed from above and having generally upright, opposite end and side walls and a top wall, each of said walls being constructed and arranged for displacement transversely selectively toward and away from its normal plane; base means fixed to the core body and exposed to the interior thereof; a pair of selectively expansible and contractible devices anchored to the base means and spaced apart lengthwise of the core body, each device having a member movable selectively upwardly toward and downwardly away from the top wall and within the core body; means connecting portions of the top wall directly to the device members for displacement thereof upon movement of the device members; a pair of elements connected to each device member and extending oppositely and laterally therefrom at equal angles and connected respectively to proximate portions of the side walls for simultaneously displacing said wall portions equally upon movement of the respective device member; a second pair of elements connected respectively and independently to the end walls and separately connected respectively to the device members, said elements of the second pair extending lengthwise of the core body in opposite directions and at equal angles for effecting displacement of the end walls upon movement of said device members; a reaction element extending between and having opposite end portions connected respectively to the device members to equalize the action of said device members so that displacement of the end walls is simultaneous; and means for actuating the devices to move the device members selectively upwardly and downwardly.

2. In molding apparatus for the manufacture of burial vaults, a core and draft-control means therefor, comprising: a pair of opposed, generally upright and relatively long side walls, a pair of generally upright, relatively shorter end walls respectively at opposite ends of the side walls, and a top wall adjoining upper edge portions of the side and end walls to provide an elongated, relatively narrow core body, each of said walls being constructed and arranged for displacement of portions thereof selectively toward and away from its normal plane; base means fixed to the core body and exposed to the interior thereof; a pair of selectively expansible and contractible devices mounted on the base means in spaced apart relationship lengthwise of the core body, each device having within the core body a member selectively movable in opposite directions; force-transmitting means connected directly to lengthwise spaced apart portions of the top wall and connected to the device members; second and third force-transmitting means connected respectively to the side walls at lengthwise spaced apart portions and connected to the device members for equal movement simultaneously with said members and said first force-transmitting means; fourth and fifth force-transmitting means connected respectively and independently between the end walls and connected separately to the device members for displacing of the respective end walls upon movement of the device members; a reaction element extending between and having opposite end portions connected respectively to said device members to take lengthwise forces when said device members are moved to displace the end walls; and means for actuating said devices to move said device members.

3. In molding apparatus for the manufacture of burial vaults, the combination of a box-like core body of elongated rectangular shape as viewed from above and having upright end and side walls rigidly joined at four corners, each of said walls being relatively stiif but capable at portions intermediate said corners of flexing transversely selectively toward and away from its normal plane; and draft-control mechanism including a pair of selectively expansible and contractible devices within and spaced lengthwise of said body, each device having a plurality of force-transmitting elements angularly arranged and connected to the proximate end wall and to proximate, opposed portions of the side walls; a reaction member extending between and having opposite end portions connected respectively to said devices to take forces therebetween lengthwise of said body as said devices are selectively expanded and contracted to fiex said end and side walls; and means for actuating said devices.

4. In molding apparatus for the manufacture of burial vaults, a core and draft-control mechanism therefor, comprising: a pair of opposed, generally upright side-walls; a pair of opposed, generally upright end walls arranged relative to the side walls to provide a core body of box-like construction; a top wall adjoining the upper portions of the end and side walls; each of said walls being constructed and arranged for displacement of portions thereof selectively toward and away :2 from its normal plane; base means fixed at the bottom of the core body; a selectively expansible and contractible device associated with the core body and including a first member anchored to the base means and a single second member movable relative to the first member selectively in opposite directions and extending into the core body; a plurality of force-transmitting elements connected respectively to the end, side and top walls and further connected to the second member of said device; and means associated with said device for selectively expanding and contracting same to effect movement of the second member thereof selectively in one or the other of its opposite directions of movement to act through the plurality of force-transmitting l placement transversely selectively toward and away from its normal plane; a pair of selectively expansible and contractible devices spaced apart lengthwise of the core body, each device having a member movable selectively upwardly and downwardly relative to the base means; a pair of elements connected to each device member and extending oppositely and laterally therefrom at equal angles and connected respectively to proximate portions of the side walls for simultaneously displacing said wall portions equally upon movement of the respective device member; a second pair of elements connected respectively and independently to the end walls and separately connected respectively to the device members, said elements of the second pair extending lengthwise of the core body in opposite directions and at equal angles for effecting displacement of the end walls upon movement of said device members; a reaction element extending between and having opposite end portions connected respectively to the device members to equalize the action of said device members so that displacement of the end walls is simultaneous; and means for actuating the device to move the device mem bers selectively upwardly and downwardly.

6. In molding apparatus for the manufacture of burial vaults, a core and draft-control means therefor, comprising: a pair of opposed, generally upright and relatively long side walls and a pair of generally upright, relatively shorter end walls respectively at opposite ends of the side walls, each of said walls being constructed and arranged for displacement of portions thereof selectively toward and away from its normal plane a pair of selectively expansible and contractible devices positioned in spaced apart relationship lengthwise of the core body, each device having within the core body a member selectively movable in opposite directions; force-transmitting means connected respectively to the side walls at lengthwise spaced apart portions and connected to the device members for equal movement simultaneously with said device members; other force-transmitting means connected respectively and independently between the end walls and connected separately to the device members for displacing the respective end walls upon movement of the device members; a reaction element extending between and having opposite end portions connected respectively to said device members to take lengthwise forces when said device members are moved to displace the end walls; and means for actuating said devices to move said device members.

7 In molding apparatus for the manufacture of burial vaults, the combination of: a box-like core body of elongated rectangular shape as viewed from above and having upright end and side walls, each of said walls being constructed and arranged for displacement of portions thereof selectively transversely toward and away from its normal plane; and draft-control mechanism including a pair of selectively expansible and ccntractible devices within and spaced lengthwise cf said body, each device having a plurality of force-transmitting elements angularly arranged and connected to the proximate end wall and to proximate, opposed portions of the side walls; a reaction member extending between and having opposite end portions connected respectively to said devices to take forces therebetween lengthwise of said body as said devices are selectively expanded and contracted to flex said end and side walls; and means for actuating said device.

8. In molding apparatus for the manufacture of burial vaults, the combination of: an elongated boX-like hollow core body having generally upright, opposed, relatively long side wall portions and generally upright, opposed, relatively shorter end wall portions; each of said wall por tions being constructed and arranged for displacement transversely selectively toward and away from its normal plane; first toggle means within the core adjacent one en thereoi and having a pair of opposed legs connected to and acting between opposed side wall portions proximat to said one end for selectively displacing said opposed portions simultaneously toward and away from their respectively normal planes; second toggle means within the core adjacent the other end thereof and having a pair of opposed legs connected to and acting between opposed side wall portions proximate to said other end for selectively displacing said opposed portions simultaneously toward and away from their respective planes; force-exerting means connecting the first toggle means to the end wall portion proximate thereto for displacing said end wall simultaneously with displacing of the proximate side wall portions; force exerting means connecting the second toggle means to the other end wall for displacing said other end wall simultaneously with the other side wall portions; and reaction means interconnecting the first and second toggle means in series with the first and second force-exerting means.

9. In molding apparatus for the manufacture of burial vaults, the combination of: a box-like hollow core body having generally upright, opposed end wall portions and opposed side wall portions, and a top wall portion adjoining upper edge parts of said end and side wall portions; each of said wall portions being constructed and arranged for displacement transversely selectively toward and away from its normal plane; first means connected between the opposed side Wall portions within the core body and having an actuating part positioned intermediate said side wall portions and movable selectively in different phases for effecting simultaneous displacement of said side wall portions in equal amounts and in opposite directions; means for moving said actuating part; second means connected between the opposed end walls and operatively connected to the actuating part of the first means for effecting simultaneous displacement of the end wall portions in equal amounts and in opposite directions simultaneously with displacement of the side wall portions; and means connecting the top wall portion directly to the actuating part for efiecting displacement of the top wall portion simultaneously with displacement of the end and side wall portions, said last named means including a pair of relatively vertically adjustable elements for selectively varying the length of said last named means independently of the first and second means.

10. In molding apparatus for the manufacture of burial vaults, the combination of a box-like hollow core body having generally upright, opposed end wall portions and opposed side wall portions, and a top wall portion adjoining the upper edge parts of said end and side wall portions; each of said wall portions being con structed and arranged for displacement transversely selectively toward and away from its normal plane; first toggle means connected between the opposed side wall portions within the core body and having an actuating part positioned generally centrally between said side wall portions and movable selectively upwardly or downwardly for effecting simultaneous displacement of said side wall portions in equal amounts and in opposite directions; means for moving said actuating part; second toggle means connected between the opposed end walls and operatively connected to the actuating part of the first toggle means for effecting simultaneous displacement of said wall portions in equal amounts and in opposite directions simultaneously with displacement of the side wall portions; and means connecting the top wall portion directly to the actuating part for effecting displacement of the top wall portion simultaneously with displacement of the end and side wall portions, said top-wall-connecting means including a pair of relatively vertically adjustable elements for varying the spacing between the top wall and the actuating part.

11. In molding apparatus for the manufacture of burial vaults, the combination of: a box-like core body of elongated rectangular shape as viewed from above and having upright end and side walls rigidly joined at four corners, each of said walls being relatively stiff but capable at port ons intermediate said corners of flexing transversely selectively toward and away from its normal plane; and draft-control mechanism within said core body for selectively effecting displacement of all of said walls simultaneously toward and simultaneously away from their respective normal planes, said mechanism including vertically movable means for effecting displacement of the top wall and generally horizontally movable means for effecting displacement of the end and side walls, and said vertically movable means including a pair of relatively vertically adjustable elements operative for vertical adjustment of said mechanism relative to the top wall independently of said horizontally movable means.

12. Core construction for burial vault molds, comprising: a rectangular base structure made up of a pair of relatively long I-beams arranged in parallelism and with their upper and lower flanges horizontal, and a pair of end members cross-connecting the ends of the I-beams and having flat upper surfaces coplanar with the upper flanges of the I-beams; a core body of rectangular, box-like structure dimensioned for super-imposition on the base and having upright end and side walls rigidly joined at the four corners of the structure, each wall having at its bottom an integral, outwardly extending marginal flange coextensive with said wall and having a flat under surface, said marginal flanges being coplanar and joined at the four corners of the structure to provide a rectangular border about the bottom of the core body; the marginal flanges of the side walls resting on and rigidly secured to the upper surfaces of the upper flanges of the I-beams; and the marginal flanges of the end walls resting on and rigidly secured to the upper surfaces of the end members of the base.

13. In molding apparatus for the manufacture of burial vaults, core construction comprising: a pair of parallel end members and a pair of relatively longer side members arranged normally to the end members to define a base frame of rectangular shape as viewed from above, said members being rigidly joined together at the four corners of the frame and having coplanar upper surfaces; a core body of elongated box-like construction having opposite upright end walls and opposite, upright relatively longer side walls, the horizontal dimensionsrof said walls being respectively on the order of the internal dimensions of the base frame; said walls being rigidly joined at the four corners of the core body; each of said walls having at its lower edge an outwardly and downwardly sloping portion terminating in a generally horizontally outwardly extending integral marginal flange, each sloping portion and its flange being coextensive with each other and with the wall from which they extend; said flanges having generally flat under surfaces resting on and rigidly secured to the upper surfaces of the base frame members for carrying the core body superimposed on the base frame; and a plurality of upright column members, one at and internally of each corner of the core and secured thereto and having lower end portions resting on and secured to the base at the corners of said base.

14. In molding apparatus for the manufacture of burial vaults, the combination of: a rectangular, rigid base frame; a box-like hollow core body having upright end and side walls rigidly joined along their lower edge portions to the base frame and rigidly joined at their upright edge portions to form four relatively rigid columns rising from the base frame, and a rectangular top wall having its four marginal edge portions adjoining and rigidly secured to upper edge portions of the end and side walls; each of said walls being of unitary one-piece construction and relatively stiff but flexible at portions thereof intermediate its joined edges for displacement of such intermediate portions transversely selectively toward and away from the normal plane of said wall; first toggle means within the core body and connected across the side walls at flexible portions thereof and having an actuating part centrally between said side walls and movable vertically in a straight line selectively upwardly and downwardly for effecting simultaneous displacement of said side wall flexible portions in equal amounts and in opposite directions; means connected between the base frame and said actuating part for moving the latter vertically; second toggle means extending lengthwise of the core body and connected between the end walls at flexible portions thereof and operatively connected to the actuating part of the first toggle means for effecting simultaneous displacement of said end wall flexible portions in equal amounts and in opposite directions simultaneously with displacement of the side wall flexible portions; and means directly connecting a flexible portion of the top wall to the actuating part for effecting displacement of said top wall flexible portion away from its normal plane simultaneously with displacement of said end and side wall flexible portions away from their respective normal planes.

15. In molding apparatus for the manufacture of burial vaults, the combination of z a plurality of rigid end and side members rigidly joined together to form an elongated rectangular, horizontal base frame having a bottom and further having an upper peripheral ledge; a plurality of upright end and side walls rigidly connected at their lower edge portions to the ledge and rising therefrom to form an elongated box-like, hollow structure superimposed on the base frame; said walls being of unitary one-piece construction and rigidly joined at the four corners of said structure to provide four rigid columns; a rectangular top wall of unitary one-piece construction rigidly joined about its marginal edges to the upper edge portions of the side and end Walls to provide four rigid horizontal beams spaced above the base frame and respectively paralleling the end and side membersof said base frame; all of said walls at portions thereof intermediate their junctions with others of said walls and said base frame members being flexible to provide for displacement of said portions respectively toward and away from their normal planes; a pair of cross members rigidly supported by the base frame side members in spaced apart relation lengthwise of the base frame and spaced inwardly from the respective end members; a pair of force-exerting devices carried respectively on the cross members within the base frame, each device having an element movable selectively upwardly and downwardly within the box-like structure and connected to,t'ne proximate top wall flexible portion directly thereabove, each device further having a plurality of selectively inwardly and outwardly movable elements connected to the flexible proximate portions of the end and side walls; a reaction member extending lengthwise of the structure and having opposite ends connected respectively to the upwardly and downwardly movable elements of the force-exerting devices; and a pair of operating means, one for each device, each having a control member extending externally of the base frame below the base frame ledge.

16. A base and core structure for the molding of burial vaults, comprising: a pair of rigid end members and a pair of relatively longer side members rigidly united to form an open, rectangular, horizontal base frame; a pair of upright end walls and a pair'of relatively longer side walls arranged to form a rectangular box-like structure superimposed on the base frame and being sufficiently smaller in periphery than the base frame to leave a marginal ledge surrounding the lower edge portions of said walls, said lower edge portions of the end and side walls it being secured to the base frame and having generally horizontally outwardly directed marginal portions overlying and superimposed on said ledge, said marginal portions adjoining said lower edge portions along a relatively smooth junction to provide a continuous upwardly and outwardly facing peripheral fillet about the bottom of said structure; said end and side walls being rigidly joined at their upright edge portions to provide four upright columns rising from the four corners of the base frame; and a horizontal, rectangular top wall having its four edge portions rigidly united to the upper edge portions of the end and side walls to provide four horizontal rigid beams above and parallel to the aforesaid ledge.

EDWARD J. LAGER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 340,877 Hassard Apr. 27, 1886 480,986 Anthistle Aug. 16, 1892 719,655 Giletti Feb. 3, 1903 1,090,488 Miller Mar. 17, 1914 1,097,234 Kempf May 19, 1914 1,242,092 Wazbinski Oct. 2, 1917 1,458,145 Parsons June 12, 1923 2,219,106 Kruckenberg Oct. 22, 1940 2,319,291 Besser May 18, 1943 

